In the hazy midnight air of 1978 California, a silver behemoth slices through the darkness like a crude cubist vision, a fighter jet on wheels. This is Gerald Wiegert, a man with a vision that would shake the foundations of the automotive world. This is the Vector, a machine from the future, roaring into the desolate streets of Los Angeles.
Wiegert's journey begins in the mundane, a life defined by predictability. However, a spark ignites in him, a fervent desire to shape the future of American supercars. The Vector is born from his dreams, a marriage of fighter jet aesthetics and raw automotive power, a futuristic vision that would challenge the dominance of European supercars.
The Vector GT, unveiled at the 1972 Los Angeles International Auto Expo, is a statement of intent. Wiegert, now partnered with Lee Brown, brings his foam model to life, a tangible embodiment of his dreams. The GT captures imaginations, a promise of a supercar that could rival the Italian titans.
Yet, behind the dazzling exterior lies a turbulent reality. Partnerships crumble, disputes arise, and the GT prototype is left to collect dust. The dream survives, though, as Wiegert tirelessly seeks funding, evolving from Design Force to Vector Car. After years of relentless pursuit, the Vector W2 emerges, a showcase of American technological prowess with a 600 horsepower V8 and futuristic cockpit.
The W2, however, becomes a victim of its own hype. Production struggles, media scrutiny intensifies, and lawsuits loom. Undeterred, Wiegert persists, taking Vector Aeromotive public, injecting fresh funds into his vision. The Vector W8 is born, boasting a staggering 1200 horsepower, fighter jet-inspired design, and a promise to redefine the supercar landscape.
Yet, the glory is short-lived. The W8 faces skepticism, failed tests, and production delays. Wiegert's eccentricities, once charming, become a liability. The automotive press turns its back, and Vector struggles to deliver on promises. Bankruptcy looms.
In a final desperate act, Wiegert unveils the WX-3 at the 1993 Geneva Auto Show, attempting to recapture the world's attention. The hypercar boasts unprecedented power, but the public, exhausted by Vector's drama, remains unimpressed. The dream falters.
Megatech, a shadowy conglomerate, steps in to acquire Lamborghini, leaving Wiegert bitter and desperate. Vector's destiny takes a dark turn as Jerry, the visionary dreamer, is ousted from his own company. Lawsuits follow, but Wiegert's dream slips away.
In the end, Wiegert's relentless pursuit of an American supercar legacy falls short. Vector Aeromotive closes its doors, and the WX-8, a final attempt at resurrection, remains a mirage. The American supercar dream, epitomized by Vector, flickers out.
Gerald Wiegert's tale is one of ambition, innovation, and unyielding determination. While Vector may not have conquered the automotive world, its indelible mark on the history of supercars remains, a testament to the audacity of a dreamer who dared to challenge the status quo. As the curtain falls on Vector, the echoes of Jerry Wiegert's vision linger in the annals of automotive lore. The dream may have dimmed, but the legend endures.